Best African Tourism Destinations

Almost 50 million tourists a year venture into the wild African land to delight their eyes with the continent's spectacular vistas, from the wildlife of Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and azure waters of Mauritius, to legendary Cape Town in the Republic of South Africa. Africa has it all: untamed nature, magnificent sights and historic towns, and some of the African countries certainly know how to derive benefits from their natural jewels and hotchpotch of cultures.

According to UNWTO, Africa earned $30.6 billion from tourism in 2008. Here's which countries contributed to this staggering result most, which might come in handy if you desperately want to avoid crowds on your African vacations.

5. Tanzania.

$1.35bn

Flying flamingos in the Ngorongoro crater in Tanzania.

Right in the heart of East Africa, Tanzania is home to a number of world's famed sites, including majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, Lake Victoria, and Lake Tanganyika. These record-breaking attractions lure millions of visitors who are willing to splash out to climb Africa's highest mountain or mingle with wildlife in Serengeti National Park. In 2008, 750,000 tourists left $1.35bn in the country, making Tanzania the fifth largest contributor to African tourism revenue. And the number of visitors is growing rapidly year by year.

4. Mauritius

$1.5bn

The crystal clear waters, enchanting lagoons, sandy beaches, slender palm trees and lavish exotic resorts of Mauritius attract around one million tourists annually to this speck of paradise on Earth. However, the island has a lot more to offer than its tropical coast. It brims with quaint historic towns, thick virgin forests, and national parks loaded with hidden waterfalls and volcanic lakes. Thanks to its irresistible charm, welcoming people, and superb tourist infrastructure, Mauritius is one of the most visited destinations in Africa, with the fourth largest tourist revenues on the continent (totaling to almost $ 1.5bn in 2008).

3. Tunisia

$3bn

Spice World of Tunisia.

The great potential of Tunisian tourism laid dormant for many years, but today this compact country in northern Africa knows how to make the most out of its beautiful location, intriguing culture and Mediterranean climate. Thanks to its year-round sunshine, the unparalleled beauty of the Sahara, and excellent tourist resorts catering for all tastes, Tunisia is, literally, invaded with tourists. More than seven million people spend their holidays in the country, making it the third most wanted African destination. In 2008 Tunisia earned almost $3bn from tourism, which accounts for 10% of Africa's total revenue derived from the tourist industry.

2. Morocco

$7.2bn

Pension Cordoba. Morocco.

The runner-up on the African tourist market is Morocco. Around eight million people made it its travel destination in 2008, partaking in this stimulating blend of Middle Eastern and African cultures spiced up with European influences. Nowhere else will you find such a goodly mix of splendid architecture, vibrant cites (Marrakesh, Tangier and Casablanca to name just a few), ancient ruins, superb cuisine, and stunning mountains, all embraced by the wild coast of the Atlantic and the calm shores of the Mediterranean sea. Tourism earns Morocco $7.2bn a year, reflecting 23.6% share in Africa's total tourist revenue.

1. South Africa

$7.6bn

Houtbay. Cape Town. South Africa.

The Republic of South Africa is a number one destination in the region. It is visited by almost one million tourists per month and the tourism industry generates revenue of between 1% and 3% of the country's GDP. In 2008, South Africa earned 7.6bn from tourism, which accounted for 24.9% share of the African total tourist revenue. With such an array of natural wonders and cosmopolitan cities, it comes as no surprise that South Africa is an ultra popular tourist destination. Whatever you come for, be it strolling around fertile vineyards, sampling premium quality wines, venturing into wild safaris, exploring hidden villages, trekking the majestic mountains or surfing the ocean swells, the country never fails to awe. The 2010 World Cup will certainly help South Africa keep its leading position as Africa's biggest tourism earner as the event is estimated to have brought a record revenue of EUR 4.5bn ($5.5bn).

And you thought Africa was all about camel rides and safaris, didn't you? Well, you never seem to stop learning. Fancy some more food for thought?

Top Shopping Destinations Around the World

To shop, or not to shop? These shopping galleries will leave you no choice but do so. Our tour de shop around the world will help you choose the best destinations to part with cash, although be aware that some stores could leave you heavily in the red. Yet if browsing around the racks and shelves improves your mood and a shopping addiction is just too strong to overcome, then you should make shopping the theme of your next trip.

 

10. Wako. Tokyo. Japan.

Wako building constructed in 1932.

Wako department store in Ginza was established in 1881 as a store offering watches and jewelry by Kintaro Hattori that later created Seiko - a prominent Japanese watch company. To date the ground floor of Wako is occupied by a broad selection of Seiko watches.

Wako lies at the heart of Ginza, which is considered to be one of the most prestigious shopping areas in the world. The store is located in a historical Neo-Renaissance-style building constructed in 1932. It is one of the few buildings in the district left untouched after World War II.

Today Wako is famous for (of course) watches, jewelry, porcelain, handbags and exclusive foreign products.

9. Eaton Centre. Toronto. Canada

Eaton Centre. Toronto. 

The Eaton Centre is a vibrant shopping gallery located in the center of Toronto. It was completed in two phases: the northern section emerged in 1977 and the southern part was completed in 1979. The design of the complex was inspired by Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, located in Milan, Italy. The two buildings have similar glass-domed roofs.

Today Eaton Centre is a city's bustling landmark with its urban atmosphere and a broad offer of stores, restaurants and service points. It has already become one of the main tourist attractions in the city so it gets really crowded, especially during the public holidays.

It houses around 230 retailers, selling (fortunately) more affordable goods than the ones offered by Harrods or Quartier 206 (see below)

8. De Bijenkorf. Amsterdam. The Netherlands.

De Bijenkorf. 

De Bijenkorf is one of the oldest European department store chains and the most up market chain in the Netherlands. The opening of the first De Bijenkorf establishment took place in 1870. The small store was located along Nieuwendijk, one of the oldest streets in the town.

Today the chain manages 12 stores in the country, but the flagship is the Amsterdam-based five-storey department store (built in 1957) located on Dam Square - one of the most popular places in the city.

De Bijenkorf 

The store offers everything the shopper's heart may desire, from clothing made by famous fashion designers, cosmetics, jewelry, gifts to kitchen accessories and books. It is not inexpensive, but worth seeing for its unusual and broad collections of goods. 

7. Galeries Lafayette. Paris. France.

 Lafayette

Galeries Lafayette is a Paris flagship store and one of the most famed department stores in the city. It was established as a small fashion outlet by Théophile Bader and his cousin Alphonse Kahn in 1893. The store quickly developed and in 1912 a glass dome and an Art Nouveau staircase were added.

Today the gallery is a huge and chic shopping complex with a broad collection of the latest trends in fashion, jewelry, cosmetics, home accessories, foodstuffs and gifts. The prices are high, but there are some affordable offers and many Parisians shop there on a daily basis.

 Inside Lafayette.

Unfortunately the complex is packed with people. Many tourists come to Lafayette not to shop, but to admire the impressive architecture - some parts of the shopping center have been classified as historical sites. Moreover the terraces offer panoramic views of the nearby located Opera Garnier House and Basilica of the Sacred Heart that can be seen in the distance.

6. 10 Corso Como. Milan. Italy

 10 Corso Como.

Italy is a cradle of fashion, Milan is the Mecca for shoppers and 10 Corso Como is the icing on that cake.

10 Corso Como is not a typical shopping gallery. It was opened in 1990 as an art gallery and bookstore by Carla Sozzani, a prominent Italian gallerist and former Italian Vogue editor. In 1991 the clothing and accessories boutique followed. In 1999 the Corso Como café and restaurant were launched and in 2003 a small slick hotel was set up.

 Inside 10 Corso Como. 

10 Corso Como offers unique and stylish collections of clothes, bags, shoes, book, CDs...all in tune with the newest Vogue trends. The prices are high, but there is good news for budget visitors - there is a Corso Como Outlet nearby where the collections at reduced prices can be found.

5. Fashion Shows. Las Vegas. The USA.

The Cloud above Fashion Shows. 

If you want to lose millions in a day in Las Vegas, you don't have to gamble. Fashion Shows, a huge and modern shopping centre, is a place where you can easily get lost in shopping and lose a big part of your savings.

It has over 250 stores and restaurants and it houses some of the famed departments stores such as, among others, Saks Fifth Avenue, Dillard's, Neiman Marcus, Macy's and Bloomingdale's Home.

Inside of Fashion Shows.

The construction of the Fashion Shows mall was completed in 1981. The complex takes up around 175,000 sq meters of space - it is one of the biggest shopping centers in the world.

An interesting architectural feature of the mall is "the Cloud", a steel canopy designed to provide shade during the day. At night it becomes a huge movie screen. The Cloud is 480 ft (150 m) long and it is towering 128 ft (39 m) above the ground.

4. Gum. Moscow. Russia

 Gum at Red Square. 

Gum, in full Glavnyi Universalnyi Magazin (State Department Store) in Moscow, is the largest and most prestigious shopping mall in Russia. The monumental features of the store fit perfectly in the spectacular Red Square where the store is situated. GUM was constructed between 1890 and 1893. The architectural combination of the glass roof and steel framework referred to the great European train stations that were built in the 19th century.

Inside GUM. 

Before the Revolution of 1917 the mall housed around 1,200 stores. In 1928 GUM was transformed into office building by Stalin. In 1953 it was reopened as a department store. In 1990s the store was privatized and has become a home for top-end fashion retailers. Today it houses around 200 stores.

3. Quartier 206. Berlin. Germany.

 Quartier 206 

Anne Maria Jagdfeld, the founder and owner of Quartier 206, traveled around the world for months to buy the products for her store. She accomplished her mission in 1997 when the Quartier opened. The store is called "the world of style" and it definitely deserves its name thanks to the amazing stock and great interior. It was designed by famous Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, an architectural company from New York.

 Quartier 206. 

Quartier 206 is located on famous Friedrichstraße, in the center of Berlin. The place is hip and trendy. It offers the most prominent fashion brands (including the elite: Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta), leading avant-garde designers, up market cosmetics and perfumes, books and interior accessories.

2. Saks Fifth Avenue. New York. The USA.

 Saks Fifth Avenue, New York. 

Saks Fifth Avenue is one of the most up market NY's department stores. Its origins date back to 1867 when Andrew Saks opened his business and later incorporated it in New York (1902) as Saks & Company. In 1924 Horace Saks and Bernard Gimbel set up Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City.

At present Saks manages 53 Saks Fifth Avenue stores in the USA and 52 Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH stores, which offer discount collections. Moreover the Saks Fifth Avenue licensed stores operate in Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., Mexico and Bahrain.

Nevertheless, the Saks in New York has remained the most iconic of all Saks stores. It is called by locals a shopping institution with all of the best American and European brands gathered on 10 floors and under one roof. Among most worshiped sections is the shoe department which offers amazing collections of footwear.

1. Harrods. London. The UK.

 

 Harrods in London. 

Harrods, the most famous department store in the world, was established as a small grocery in 1894 by Charles Henry Harrods. The one-room outlet quickly developed into a large store offering food, stationery, cosmetics and medicines. By 1880 Harrods employed 100 workers. In 1985 Mohamed Al-Fayed, an Egyptian multimillionaire, bought the store for £615m.

Today Harrods takes up 90,000 square meters of retail area, it has around 330 departments and it sells nearly everything - from foodstuff to home accessories. It hires around 4,000 people ready to fulfill all caprices of the most demanding customers.

Sunglasses display, Harrods. 

Rumor has it in London that one customer ordered an elephant and the store got it for him in one day.

Whether you have millions to spend or not, Harrods is a must during your stay in London. The goods available in the store are pretty expensive and the complex is always jam-packed with people, but it is worth visiting - just treat it as a tourist attraction rather than a shopping destination.

10 Amazing places Not to Miss In the USA

We all want to venture into the unknown, follow unbeaten tracks and travel through the most remote and unspoiled nooks of the world. Still, there are some vistas in the world that must be seen at least once in a lifetime, and USA can boast an ample share of such.

1. Bryce Canyon National Park

The outstanding and breathtakingly beautiful rock formations of the Bryce Canyon National Park are a must in the USA. Called hoodoos, the unique geological structures formed by wind, water and ice erosion provide spectacular vistas for the park visitors. Don't miss it while in Utah.

2. Mount McKinley

Do not leave Alaska without seeing Mount McKinley, a spectacular mountain towering above the state's rugged plains. A chance to see the highest peak in North America is truly priceless, so don't hesitate for a second to head for Denali National Park where the mighty mountain can be found. Expect the stunning view of the snow-capped peak, an exceptionally beautiful park and wilderness that make this spot one of the most rewarding destinations in the USA. 

3. Golden Gate Bridge

Iconic, world-renowned and, above all, amazingly beautiful, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is another American spot worth travelling as far as to the southern edge of the country. The architectural marvel spanning the Golden Gate strait has become an internationally recognizable image of the city and, in fact, the entire nation. 

Golden Gate Bridge.

4. Na Pali Coast

Na Pali Coast.

The state of Hawaii is truly unique and Na Pali Coast is its precious jewel. Located along the northwest side of Kauai, the oldest inhabited Hawaiian island, the jaw-dropping coast is placed high on the must-be-seen list of the USA's wonders. The coast is best enjoyed when reached by hiking or boating. Picture-perfect Na Pali looks especially amazing when watched from a helicopter. 

5. New York Skyline

No wonder New York City skyline is the most easily recognizable skyline in the world. No other city on the globe can boast such a spectacular silhouette comprised of 48 buildings exceeding 200 m. The view is certainly most fascinating at night. But mind you...it can easily become addictive. 

6. Fire Falls in Yosemite National Park

Fire Falls in Yosemite National Park.

Witnessing the Fire Falls in Yosemite Park is one of a kind experience because this natural phenomenon occurs only in February every year. So if you happen to be in the park in February, try to find the Horsetail Waterfalls set in the Yosemite Valley. The visual perception of a fire falls is created by the sun that illuminates the fall from behind. Don't worry if you don't manage to see this spectacular optical illusion though - the park itself is an absolutely marvelous place to visit anyways. 

7. Big Sur

Driving along the Big Sur coast is one of the most scenic road trips in the USA. Though it's only 90 miles long, the splendor packed into such a short distance is staggering. Beside having a stunning coastline, the region located in central California is fairly unspoiled, making it a perfect destination for cyclists, hikers, beach-addicts and all other types of outdoor lovers.

8. Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park.

Millions of tourists visiting the Grand Canyon National Park every year cannot be wrong - the place is simply breathtaking and special. Carved by the Colorado River and stretching for 277 miles (446 km), the Grand Canyon  offers its visitors one of the world's most spectacular vistas. It's true the whole thing is a bit touristic, but then again, missing out on the famed gorge while in the US would be a shame. 

9. Dunes of Death Valley National Park

Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park.

Death Valley National Park is one of the most unique places in the United States. Known for its extremes - it is the hottest, the driest and the lowest spot in the country, the park is also famed for its amazing sand dunes. Although the dunes cover only around 1% of the park's space, their extraordinary look scores 100% in the beauty contest of the USA most spectacular vistas. 

10. Las Vegas

No need to tell anyone that Las Vegas is a place that must be seen and experienced at least once in a lifetime. There is no other place like the Sin City, where countless bars, casinos, hotels and shopping centres make you feel like in Disneyland for adults. Whether your ultimate experience will be gambling, partying or shopping, a great adventure and fun are guaranteed. 

Anything else that deserves a mention?

Most Extreme Landscapes on Earth

Our globe is home to some truly breathtaking and extraordinary sights. Be it strangely-shaped rock formations, alien-looking sulfur springs or unique chocolate hills, the world is full of such beautiful phenomena that no words can describe it.

Pictures may help... 

 

1. The Badlands National Park. The USA.

Dakota's Badlands.

Sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires are the main features of Badlands National Park, South Dakota, USA. The park is also the largest protected mixed grass prairie in the country. Beside the unique rock formations, this bizarre land of extreme temperatures (-40F to 116F), high winds and dramatic weather changes is also home to the bison, bighorn sheep, endangered black-footed ferrets, and the swift fox.

By IronRodArt

The Giant's Causeway, Ireland and Staffa, Scotland

Staffa. Scotland.

Incredible basalt columns can be found on the northeast coast of the Northern Ireland and on Staffa, a small island in Scotland. How did these amazing formations emerge? Without getting too technical, some 50 million years ago, the northern coasts were subject to volcanic activity - fluid molten basalt intruded through chalk beds, forming the lava plateau. When the lava cooled rapidly, contraction occurred, shaping the columns and determining their size.

Staffa's columns.

Staffa's columns.

Giant Causeway. Ireland.

3. The Chocolate Hills. The Philippines.

Chocolate Hills.

Apparently, the Chocolate Hills are not covered in the cocoa trees, and their name derives from the grass turning brown during the dry season. This unusual geological formation can be found in Bohol, an island province of the Philippines. The place can boast 1,776 hills spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometres (20 sq mi).

4. Penitentes. The Death Valley and the Andes. 

Penitentes in Death Valley.

The tall thin blades of hardened snow or ice can be found only at high altitudes. They are called penitentes or nieves penitents. This beautiful snow formation can be as tall as a person and oriented towards the general direction of the sun. Penitentes appear in the Andes of Chile and Argentina, as well as in the Death Valley, USA. 

Penitentes in Death Valley.

Penitenes in Andes. Argentina.

4. Sossusvlei. Namibia.

The high red sand dunes called Sossusvlei are located in the central Namib Desert, within Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia. This surrealistic clay pan is fed by the Tsauchab River that flows through the Namib every 5 to 10 years. Thanks to the infrequent floods the pan is covered by unique camel thorn, native to the drier parts of Southern Africa.
Still, even during very wet years the river does not reach the Atlantic Ocean but drains away between the dunes of Sossusvlei.

 5. Shilin. China.

The Stone Forest, Kunming, China - Yunnan Province.

The Stone Forest (Shilin) is one of the main attractions of the Yunnan Province, China. This strange set of karst formations is located around 85 kilometres from the city of Kunming. Many of these tall rocks look like trees made of stone, creating the illusion of a stone forest.

he Stone Forest, Kunming, China - Yunnan Province.

6. Wai-O-Tapu. New Zealand.

In New Zealand's Taupo Volcanic Zone lies an alien-looking active geothermal area called Wai-O-Tapu. It is home to a number of colorful hot springs, geysers, steaming volcanic lakes and mineral terraces as well as mud pools.

 7. Cappadocia. Turkey.

Cappadocia.

Amazing fairy chimneys cover Cappadocia, a historical region in the central part of Turkey. These rock formations are such a prominent feature of the country that they were depicted on the reverse of the Turkish 50 new lira banknote of 2005-2009.

Cappadocia.

Cappadocia.

9. Spotted Lake. Canada.

Spotted lake.

High concentration of numerous minerals makes the Spotted Lake, British Columbia, Canada, an extraordinary and unreal looking phenomenon in the region. This saline alkali lake boasts the highest quantities (in the world) of magnesium sulfate, calcium and sodium sulphates. During hot summer months water in the lake evaporates leaving behind unique large spots.

10. Wulingyuan. China.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, the Wulingyuan region is a scenic unusual area in Hunan Province, China, known for its tall sandstone pillars. Some of these strangely-shaped karst formations may exceed 800 meters. The site is also famous for its high mountains, clear waters, deep valleys, and mountain gullies.

Wulingyuan national park.